Kebebasan mahasiswa perlu diberikan sepenuhnya, tegas PM

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the importance of fully granting freedom of expression to students, stating that it cannot be used to strengthen government or ministerial power. In Kuala Lumpur, Anwar highlighted the need for universities and relevant ministries to accept that student freedom must be granted entirely to foster a more dynamic scientific culture.

While one may or may not agree, the discussion of students' rights remains crucial. Students should be able to argue and assert their opinions; however, they must maintain their position as students at this institution, said Anwar during a Malaysia MADANI Science Forum on National Education and University and College Act (Auku) at Universiti Malaya.

Any disciplinary action against a student solely for expressing criticism or academic views should be withdrawn immediately, and such actions are hereby canceled. If a student receives disciplinary action solely for their voice, criticism, including criticism of the Prime Minister, they should be released entirely starting tomorrow.

If it involves the police, that is a separate issue, Anwar said. However, he reiterated that granted freedom does not mean students can act beyond the law, including damaging public property. You can voice your opinions, but you cannot interfere with law enforcement or damage public property. It should be clear that when we talk about freedom, we mean having a voice, expressing views, or submitting a memo – all of these are encouraged.

Anwar also addressed demands for improvements to Auku, stating that any legislative amendment cannot be used to strengthen government or ministerial power. The government has already reduced ministerial control to provide universities with more flexibility and administrative and academic autonomy. Any amendment should not be used to strengthen ministerial power.

A little reduction in ministerial power will also reduce their overall power, Anwar added. The forum featured Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Malaysia Science Academy President Tengku Azzman Shariffadeen as panelists.